Morna Nielsen and Amy Satterthwaite join Kia Super League

New Zealand internationals Morna Nielsen and Amy Satterthwaite have signed to play for Southern Vipers and Lancashire Thunder respectively in the Kia Super League, following the withdrawal of Australian pair Megan Schutt and Sarah Coyte.

Left-arm spinner Nielsen is fixed to replace Schutt after the Australian cricketer was ruled out from taking part in the inaugural competition due to injury.

The 24-year-old, who is currently world No 2 in the world in the ICC T20 player rankings, will complete an all-Kiwi overseas line-up for the Southern Vipers.

While Coyte has decided not to travel to England this summer for personal reasons, allowing batsman Satterthwaite to become the third overseas star for Lancashire Thunder at Old Trafford this summer.

Kia Super League General Manager, Jo Kirk, said: "With just over six weeks to go until the start of the Kia Super League there is a growing level of excitement and buzz around the competition, with all six teams now in full swing preparing for the opening weekend of action. 

"We are absolutely delighted with the calibre of overseas players that all six teams have been able to secure, and we look forward to welcoming all 18 of them to England this summer."    

Six teams will compete in the new Twenty20 competition, which runs from July 30 to August 14 with the finals day on August 21 at the Essex County Ground in Chelmsford.